this is absolutely gorgeous! the fabrics you chose go together so well and are lovely and modern. quilting in straight lines isn't very easy either and you did a fabulous job. pat yourself on the back!

I'm definitely going to second the opinion to wash it the way that it will be washed by the new recipient. Even with a new bottle of special quilt detergent, a busy new mama might just toss it in with everything else. It looks like you did a great job, though, and I'm sure it will be fine through all kinds of baby mishaps (I always freak out about a quilt falling apart right after I give it away, but of course it never really happens).

I've always wanted to start quilting and have been dragging my feet out of fear. Your first quilt is absolutely gorgeous and an inspiration to the other newbies that we can do it! I'm sure your friend is going to totally love it and her child will enjoy it for many years. Awesome job!

I remember your quilt from when it was 6 blocks and you where freaking out!It is so lovely to see the finished and beautiful end result!Congratulations!S

Yes! Thank you for your encouragement during that freak-out, ScrappySue. I originally HATED the colors and patterns I chose (after spending hours in the fabric shop picking them). I was ready to give up and start over but my Craftster friends helped me keep going!

I think it looks fabulous and the baby will never notice nor care if you were a bit wonky here or there Sooo.. what you gonna make next??

While I was in the middle of the quilting process I told myself this was the last quilt I'd ever make! But when I sewed the last stitch of the binding I was asking myself the same question...what am I gonna make next?? I might make a larger version of this quilt as a wedding present for my Fiance .

I've always wanted to start quilting and have been dragging my feet out of fear. Your first quilt is absolutely gorgeous and an inspiration to the other newbies that we can do it! I'm sure your friend is going to totally love it and her child will enjoy it for many years. Awesome job!

I was the same way...totally intimidated. The pattern I used had the most fantastic directions with pictures of every single step. http://www.ohfransson.com/oh_fransson/mixtape-quilts/. I also had the help of my Craftster friends throughout. I know you could do it!

I always wash my quilts on cold and low/no heat (half with low heat, half with no heat) to minimize color fading and shrinkage, but washing it the same way its going to get washed by the recipient is always a good way to go too!